The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) recently launched the second edition of the Salon International des Fournisseurs et des Investisseurs d’Afrique (SIFIA 2026) at the Plateau district, centered around the theme: ‘Connecting businesses, creating markets, and accelerating growth.’

The event kicked off with a high-energy Business Networking session, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners to foster collaboration and opportunity.

SIFIA 2026: More than a trade fair

Marc Ekressin, the Commissaire général of SIFIA, emphasized that this year’s edition is designed to be more than just a professional gathering. ‘This isn’t just a salon—it’s about growing your business,’ he stated, urging participants to leave with tangible results: new clients, partnerships, contracts, and expanded markets.

The success of SIFIA’s first edition speaks for itself: 130 exhibitors, 1,700 qualified visitors, 17 partnerships signed, and five international companies established in Côte d’Ivoire, generating over 4.5 billion FCFA in business volume.

SIFIA IAPA: Your business accelerator

This year’s innovation, SIFIA IAPA, is a comprehensive pre-, during-, and post-event matchmaking platform. It identifies business needs, scouts for prospects and partners, arranges business meetings, and ensures follow-ups. ‘A meeting should lead to a contract,’ Ekressin stressed, highlighting the platform’s role in turning conversations into real deals.

Supporting SMEs and PMI growth

Ekressin also called on public authorities and banks to step up support for SMEs and SMEs, advocating for financing solutions tailored to their unique challenges.

Prepare for success

Addressing business leaders directly, he advised them to approach SIFIA 2026 with a strategic mindset: ‘Don’t just book a booth—secure your growth.’

By fostering deeper connections between businesses, investors, and partners, SIFIA 2026 aims to transform networking into actionable opportunities, driving private sector growth across the continent.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst